I'm Kelly! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Massachusetts. I received my MSW from Boston University and have been practicing for 13 years. I love my job and hope my passion and enthusiasm comes through. I have a poster in my office that says “Good morning. Eyes up. Hearts up. Mind sharp. Compassion on full blast. (sips coffee) Okay let’s go” a favorite tweet of mine from the inimitable Lin Manuel Miranda. This mantra helps to center me and reminds me that there is almost nothing we can’t do with a little compassion (and some coffee!). I am passionate about social justice and anti-bias work, believe that humans do well when they can, and if they can't that by providing support, guidance and unconditional positive regard we can get them back on track. I believe in a whole-person, community centered approach in my work. My primary experience is working with children and adolescents and their caregivers on issues such as anxiety, ADHD and depression. I also have experience with adults and am excited to work with people of all ages. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients can grow, help them to build up lagging skills, teach coping strategies, and partner with clients on how to be their best selves.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with introductions, getting to know you, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. I will ask about you, your family, your interests and strengths in addition to the problem(s) that brought you to therapy. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My biggest strength as a provider is making authentic connections and seeing clients for who they truly are, and the unconditional positive regard that is the cornerstone of my work. This connection leads to progress in the form of a new set of skills, strategies and/or outlook on the presenting problem, that leads to positive changes. I love my job and nothing makes me happier than helping a child or adult overcome a problem that once felt insurmountable. I will work hard- in collaboration with you- to help you succeed and reach your goals.
About Kelly Cunha
Specializes in
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
For over 10 years, I've used CBT to help clients explore how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact with one another. I use a skill-based approach to dealing with anxiety and other issues that utilize the most helpful parts of CBT.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma informed care is crucial to anyone impacted by trauma and their loved ones. Avoiding painful re-traumatization while allowing for healing is of the utmost importance to me. Collaboration, transparency and safety are used to build trust and connection. I have experience working with sexual assault survivors, front line combat veterans, and various other trauma survivors over the last 15 years.
Gender-affirming therapy
One of the greatest honors of my life is helping clients figure out who they are- in every sense of the word. Supporting clients through gender transitions and through exploring the many layers of their intersecting identities is a privilege. I love helping clients see the connections of their identities and how they impact them and collaborating to learn coping strategies and supports.
Eclectic
My approach is largely informed by client goals, which means I tailor treatment to the needs of the patient using evidence-based therapy modalities. This allows for flexibility and an individualized approach to various concerns.